Luo Shu sneaks into the locked woodshed while Qi Menglin is asleep to investigate. Bai Yue, looking for Wang Mao, notices Luo Shu’s suspicious behavior and confronts her. Wang Mao arrives in time to drive Luo Shu away. Bai Yue pleads with Wang Mao to find a bold and brash woman, claiming that Eunuch Zhang has a particular liking for such a type. Reluctantly, Wang Mao agrees but demands that Bai Yue pay Qian Sidao first. Bai Yue, once a matchmaker in a temple and now a fugitive hiding in the mine, seeks Wang Mao’s help in regaining power. He promises Wang Mao endless riches and glory once he rises to power, forming a temporary alliance.
Back in the woodshed, Luo Shu’s movements wake Qi Menglin, who scolds her for taking risks. When Qi Menglin notices Wang Mao approaching through a gap in the door, he quickly lies down beside Luo Shu to maintain the illusion of their fake marriage. Wang Mao enters, sees nothing unusual, warns Luo Shu not to wander around, and leaves after tossing a blanket to them. Luo Shu pushes Qi Menglin off the bed, forcing him to sleep on the floor.
Meanwhile, Chen Meiqing volunteers to lead officials to the Mantianling mine to rescue Zao Hua. Han Muzhi worries that, as a low-ranking county official, Chen may not be able to confront Qian Dayou. Chen assures Han that he can report the situation to Liu Yiqing and target Eunuch Zhang, Qian’s protector. Sensing Han’s concern for Luo Shu, Chen advises him to prioritize the larger mission. Han reluctantly entrusts Luo Shu’s safety to Chen.
Chen Meiqing and his team arrive at the mine early in the morning and confront Qian Dayou, demanding Zao Hua’s release. Qian denies any knowledge of her whereabouts. Chen presents Zao Hua’s personal belongings found at the mine and orders a search. Despite Qian’s interference, the search yields no results. Chen then reveals his trump card: an imperial order signed by Han Muzhi to audit the mine’s accounts. Qian, shocked, has no choice but to comply.
Amid the commotion, Chen spots Luo Shu and Qi Menglin among the crowd and sends Captain Cai to rescue them. However, Qian Dayou’s spies prevent Qi Menglin from making contact with Captain Cai. Qian interrogates four overseers about Zao Hua’s abduction, but they deny involvement. Qian then sends someone to warn Eunuch Zhang.
Meanwhile, Bai Yue and Qian Sidao pressure Wang Mao to quickly find a brash woman for Eunuch Zhang. Wang assigns Luo Shu and Qi Menglin to clean the latrines. Bai Yue, seeing Luo Shu’s back, finds her familiar and calls out to her. To protect Luo Shu’s identity, Qi Menglin deliberately dumps pig slop on Bai Yue, diverting his attention.
Suspicious of Wang Mao’s intentions, Luo Shu defies Qi Menglin’s warnings and sneaks back to the kitchen, where she discovers Zao Hua locked in the woodshed. Luo Shu quietly assures Zao Hua that she will rescue her soon. Wang Mao hears noises near the woodshed and rushes over with a knife, but Luo Shu hides in time. Finding nothing suspicious, Wang Mao returns to cooking.
Later, Luo Shu feigns stomach pain to avoid more work. Wang Mao, too busy preparing meals for the officials, reluctantly lets her go. Luo Shu and Wang Mao deliver the meals together, but Wang keeps a close eye on her, preventing any contact with Captain Cai.
At night, Luo Shu informs Qi Menglin about Zao Hua’s location. Although Qi wants to act immediately, Wang Mao’s spies make it impossible. Luo Shu decides to seek Chen Meiqing’s help. Meanwhile, Qian delivers tampered account books to Chen, who sees through the deception. Concerned about Luo Shu’s safety, Captain Cai creates a diversion, allowing Luo Shu to meet Chen. Luo Shu reveals Zao Hua’s location and Chen devises a plan to expose Qian Dayou and Eunuch Zhang’s collusion before taking them down.
Luo Shu also informs Chen about Bai Yue’s presence at the mine. Chen urges Luo Shu to withdraw to avoid being recognized, but she insists her disguise is foolproof. Chen reminds her to prioritize her safety, as he would be unable to face Han Muzhi otherwise. Luo Shu promises to protect Zao Hua and reassures Chen of her resolve.
Later, Bai Yue confronts Luo Shu, recognizing her and attempting to strangle her to death. Luo Shu loses consciousness. When she awakens, she finds a pool of blood leading to an abandoned mine. Inside, she discovers Bai Yue’s lifeless body but remains baffled about who killed him.
